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Common Yarrow

Common name: Common Yarrow

Scientific name: Achillea millefolium

Family: Compositae

Uses: Cosmetic, decorative, medicinal.Cosmetic uses include
an astringent and for cleansing and an addition to skin lotions. Decorative use
include making a yellow to olive dye and attractive flowers. Flowers dry nicely
and can be used in wreaths or arrangements, or use them in fresh florals too.
Yarrow is said to have some medicinal properties. Some people are allergic to
yarrow.

History: Also known as Milfoil, Soldier

Description: This erect herb has fern-like foliage, which is
covered with woolly hairs. Leaves are alternate and pinnately divided into many
small segments. Leaflets are sharply cleft. Numerous flower heads are composed
of disk & ray florets in flat-topped clusters. The fruit is an achene.

Plant type: Perennial

Hardiness: Hardiness zone 2.

Height: 6-10 inches

Width: 10-16 inches

Light: Full sun to light shade

Soil: fairly rich, well-drained soil with a pH of
6.0-6.7

Pests:

Disease: Powdery mildew, stem rot, rust.

Cultivation: Yarrow grows easily from seed, or divide clumps
in the spring or fall. If it is used as a ground cover, it may be mowed once per
year. Remove dead flowers.

Companion planting: When planted with other herbs, it will
deepen their fragrance and flavor by increasing their essential oils. Yarrow
attracts beneficial insects, such as lady bugs who like to lay their eggs on the
flowers. It may also help nearby plants to resist disease. Yarrow repels ants,
flies, and Japanese beetles.

Propagation: Divide(every other year) in spring or fall.
Rarely propagated by cuttings.